The Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All K-8 students with a report card with all A’s and B’s or better, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn two free GA tickets for the game on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm. Simply fill out this form and bring it along with your report card to the Hillcats Box Office prior to the event anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or the day of the game to earn your free ticket.

Good Report Card students may also participate in a parade on the field before the game! To participate, register at the Virginia529 table on the concourse between 1-1:30pm. The parade will begin at 1:35pm. Plus, all students who turn in the form will be entered into a drawing for a “Hillcat for a Day” Prize Pack!

Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the Official College Savings Plan of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Virginia529 offers four flexible, affordable and tax advantaged programs to help you save in advance for higher education. Visit www.Virginia529.com to learn how you can get started with as little as $25.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

For every home run hit by a Pelicans player during any 2015 home game, Axelrod & Associates will donate $100 to the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Also new to the ballpark this season will be a billboard in right-centerfield, which includes a caricature of Mr. Stuart M. Axelrod, donning a Chicago Cubs cap, extending his glove through the outfield wall, where his glove is ready to make a catch. If a home run ball by a Pelicans player goes through the cutout hole in the glove and into the accompanying net behind it, one lucky fan in attendance will be chosen at random to win $100,000. Fans must be present at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark to win. The winner will be selected based on the tickets scanned at the gates prior to the first pitch.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Law Enforcement Torch Run aiming for growth in year three of partnership with Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will host the third annual Special Olympics Night in conjunction with Superhero Night as part of “Geekend” on Saturday, April 25 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This season, the Pelicans will wear unique superhero-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off to benefit the Special Olympics as well.

This marks the second time that Special Olympics Night will overlap with Superhero Night, although it is the first time that the Pelicans will wear superhero-themed series on this night. “The superhero theme is a natural fit for Special Olympics Night,” remarked Pelicans Senior Director of Community Jen Borowski. “All the Special Olympics athletes are superheroes in my eyes.”

Fans who wish to donate to the Special Olympics at the game will be able to do so at the Special Olympics table in the concourse or at the Guest Services booth. Proceeds from the jersey auction and 50/50 raffle will also benefit the Special Olympics.

Those that wish to bid on jerseys will be able to do so whether in attendance or not, as select jerseys will be available for bidding online. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the corresponding player or coach immediately following the game, and fans at the game will have the opportunity to take a photo with the player or coach as well.

Over the past two seasons, the Pelicans and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have helped raise over $23,000 for the Special Olympics of South Carolina through the proceeds from this event.

“This is a real passion for many of us here locally in law enforcement,” remarked Lance Corporal Felix Cruz, who is part of the LETR, which runs a handful of events in the area to raise money for Special Olympics. “We want to get as many people out there to the game as possible to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The money allows athletes locally, regionally, and nationally to train and compete in Special Olympics events, and without the financial support, many of the Special Olympics athletes would not be able to do so.”

In addition to raising money for the Special Olympics, the night also serves as a platform to highlight the Special Olympics athletes. The athletes will take part in a pre-game parade on the field, participate in a variety of on-field games and in-park promotions, and take the field with the Pelicans players at the start of the game.

Pelicans players and coaches will also hold a private meet-and-greet and autograph session with the Special Olympics athletes prior to first pitch.

The LETR runs a number of events in Horry county to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, including: Teacher on the Roof, Capture the Flag Tournament, Dip, Duck and Dive Dodgeball Tournament, Tip the Waiter, St. James Got Talent, a Fashion Show at St. James, and Krispy Kreme Cops on Doughnut Shop. The Pelicans help the LETR support a number of these programs and recognize Special Olympics athletes outside of Special Olympics Night as well, including an on-field ceremony during the 2014 Carolina League postseason, in which athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games were recognized prior to the Pelicans game.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA chosen out of thousands of entries.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 13th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be only one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Benjamin Trowbridge, a 5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. His artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Benjamin will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2015 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. The art teachers of the winner and honorable mention designers will be contacted by a Blue Rocks representative in the next week. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Iyanna Flores
Kindergarten
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Dafne Ruiz
2nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Sophie Dodds
3rd Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Emily Ford
4th Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Adrienne Testa
5th Grade
Holy Angels School
Newark, DE

Erica Panico
5th Grade
North Star Elementary
Hockessin, DE.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2015 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks, who drew 284,701 fans to Frawley Stadium in 2014 and averaged more than 4,400 patrons per game, have season seats and group packages for the 2015 season on sale now. Fans should call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Fans Who Contribute New Toy to Receive Tickets and Hat

The holiday season is right around the corner, and for the third consecutive season the Keys will be partnering with Toys for Tots. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Members of the Frederick community can drop off toys at Harry Grove Stadium starting on November 5, from 9-5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Anyone who donates a toy will receive two tickets to a 2015 Frederick Keys home game along with two Keys hats.

The Toys for Tots Drive concludes on Saturday, December 13, when the Keys host their annual holiday event in the Mattress Warehouse Club.

“We received tremendous support from the community during our toy drive last year,” said Director of Marketing Bridget McCabe. “The Keys love bringing smiles to the faces of local kids during the holiday season, and our annual partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to do just that.”

The Keys Holiday Event on December 13 will run from 10am-1pm. More details will be available at a later date. Ticket plans for the 2015 season are now available, and can be purchased by calling an account manager at 301-815-9900. Every plan comes with the choice of a Zach Britton or Kevin Gausman bobblehead.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Frederick Keys. Click here to view the original story.

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

It is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement. In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Teen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Child Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Homeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Frederick Keys. Click here to view the original story.

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

Grand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Former Keys Pitcher Receives Elrod Hendricks Award

On Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles announced Mark Blackmar as the organization’s winner of the 2014 Elrod Hendricks Award. Given out annually since 1992, the award honors one player whose level of community involvement is worthy of special recognition and that truly stands out within the Orioles Minor League Organization. Blackmar will receive the award on Thursday night during a pregame ceremony at Camden Yards.

Blackmar, 22, becomes the third Key in as many years to win the Hendricks award. In 2013, Anthony Caronia received the award, while Trent Howard was recognized in 2012. Since 2004, seven Frederick players have been recognized with Orioles top minor league prize for community involvement.

During his time in Frederick, Blackmar visited the Frederick County libraries to read to children, spent time with fans at the Frederick Celtic Festival and served as a camp counselor at the Keys Youth Baseball Camp.

“Mark was always very eager to go out into the community and had a really positive attitude,” said Keys Promotions Manager Christine Roy. “He was friendly with everyone and was really a pleasure to work with.”

For his commitment to community service, Blackmar was honored with the Steve Bechler Award last Saturday, which recognizes the Keys player who best represents the value, character and commitment of Joel Stephens in community service.

On the same night he was recognized, Blackmar was traded to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Alejandro De Aza. Former Keys pitcher Miguel Chalas was also involved in the trade. One of the Orioles top minor league pitchers in 2014, Blackmar finished the year with the second-best ERA (3.18) among Baltimore minor leaguers. He was also tied for fourth in wins (10). The Corpus Christi, TX native ended the year with the fifth-best ERA in the Carolina League, and was third in WHIP (1.08) and batting average against (.229).

In addition to Blackmar, the Orioles will recognize former Keys Christian Walker and Tyler Wilson on Thursday night. Walker will receive the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year award while Wilson will be recognized with the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Frederick Keys. Click here to view the original story.

Award given to player with significant contributions to community

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that left-hander reliever Cody Ege was named the second-ever recipient of the Bruce Dal Canton Service Award for his efforts in the community this season. He was given the award before the Pelicans regular season finale on Monday at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Catcher Pat Cantwell won the award in 2013.

The award is presented to a player that has demonstrated significant contributions to the Grand Strand community, the Carolina League and the baseball industry as a whole. Cody showed an ongoing commitment to charitable service throughout the season with his involvement in the Pelicans 3-Day Youth Clinic as well as school and summer camp appearances, just to name a few.

“Cody has been an excellent influence on all of the young children that he has worked with this season,” explained Pelicans Senior Director of Marketing Jen Borowski. She went on to add, “most importantly, from our end, he has helped us with every activity that we have asked of him and done it with a smile on his face. I am sure that, if the award was not involved, he still would have been willing to help out; that’s the kind of personality he has-always willing to help out, and he’s a great community leader.”

This award is named after the late Bruce Dal Canton. Bruce Dal Canton was the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitching Coach from the inaugural season in 1999 until his passing in 2008. Before joining the Pelicans, Dal Canton was a Major League pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. He coached for 26 years, including ten with the Pelicans, until he prematurely passed away due to esophageal cancer on October 7, 2008. Dal Canton was heavy involved in charitable endeavors and constantly striving to make the community a better place to live, work and play. In 2009, the Pelicans named the home clubhouse after him and retired his number 43, one of just two past Pelicans retired numbers.

Ege was not alone. The Pelicans players and coaches donated countless man-hours in the community with events like the Home Run for Autism Camp, a day with Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, the 3-Day Youth Clinic, the Sanofi Healthy Living outings to two local YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand, as well as food packing initiatives with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Help4Kids’ Backpack Buddies program.

On a nightly basis, Pelicans players volunteered time before the games to sign autographs to fans behind home plate and caught ceremonial first pitches prior to each Pelicans home game. The Pelicans front office is grateful for all their hard work. Although Ege’s accomplishment is an individual award, the impact that the 2014 Pelicans achieved in the community mirrored the tremendous success of the group on the diamond.

On the field, Ege sported 3.88 ERA and a 4-1 record in 37 outings out of the bullpen for the Pelicans during the regular season. He punched out 76 batters and walked just 17 and had a 46-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio during the second half. He did not allow a run in 10 1/3 August innings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Fierce Fallon & Pink in the Park Combine for a $10,000 Weekend

The reason behind Vice President & General Manager Andy Milovich’s in-game prostate exam on July 24 came full circle this past Saturday with Coaches vs. Cancer Night. Milovich agreed to the exam if the team could raise Fierce Fallon’s Facebook Page to 10,000 ‘Likes’. Saturday night acted as a fundraiser for Fierce Fallon and featured a mini-football giveaway, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more with all proceeds benefiting Fallon. All-in-all the night raised over $6,500. The highlight of the night however, came before the anthem was even sung.

Fallon made her grand entrance to the ballpark with family and friends in the back of a pick-up truck as her favorite song, Katy Perry’s Roar, boomed throughout the stadium. Once arriving to the home dugout she made her way to the pitcher’s mound for a ceremonial first pitch. Moments later, after player introductions, Pelicans starter Chad Bell took his place on the mound and prepared to face the first hitter of the night, Fierce Fallon. One pitch from Bell was all it took as her baseball debut went down in the books as a solo home run and one of the most memorable knocks at TicketReturn.Com Field. She took her victory lap around the bases to a standing ovation and roaring crowd.

“She is such a fighter and has inspired so many people over the past ten months,” stated Milovich. “The fact that we had the opportunity to not only help raise money but provide her with a memorable night is very special to me and our entire staff.”

The Saturday night post on Fallon’s page included a video of her home run with the comment, “Fallon had the most amaz-wing time tonight at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans game. Here she is hitting a HOME RUN at her first ever at bat! Thank you to everyone that made this possible!!!” Fallon also told her mother that “It was the best day of my life.”

Saturday was only the start of the Pelicans’ charitable efforts this past weekend. Sunday was Pink in the Park with a focus on breast cancer awareness. The night featured a mini-base giveaway with the words “Save 2nd Base” to the first 1,000 ladies. Additional highlights included a silent auction with pink bats and bases. All proceeds from the auction, 50/50 raffle sales and more benefited the Mary Kay Foundation. That number exceeded $4,000.

Sunday also marked the end of the Pelicans Strike Out Cancer Series. The series featured one night each month, April through August, and highlighted five different forms of cancer (esophageal, skin, testicular, prostate and breast). On each night the team dawned special jerseys which have been up for auction all season at myrtlbeachpelicans.com. The auction concludes next Friday, August 15th at 5:00 PM. The auction includes jerseys worn by Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Manager Joe Mikulik and more.

Pelicans GM gets prostate exam while serenading the fans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, won the series finale with the Frederick Keys 5-4 on Thursday night at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while receiving a prostate exam during the seventh inning stretch in front of a sellout crowd of 6,599 to raise awareness of the need for annual prostate exams.

The Pelicans (18-17, 62-41) struck first in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Chris Garia singled and advanced to second on a Nick Williams walk. In the next at-bat, Royce Bolinger scored Garia with an RBI single to center field. Pelicans led 1-0 after the first.

In the bottom of the fourth the Birds increased their lead to 2-0. After Edwin Garcia grounded out, Christopher Bostick singled to center field. With two outs, Luis Mendez drove a double to center field, allowing Bostick to score from first. Mendez was thrown out trying to advance to third on the hit by right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang to end the inning.

The Keys (16-17, 48-52) scored two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game. After Joel Hutter walked and Tucker Nathans doubled to begin the inning, Johnny Ruettiger scored Hutter and advanced Nathans to third base with an RBI fielder’s choice. Two batters later, Trey Mancini hit an infield single to the shortstop, scoring Nathans. Pelicans starter Luis Parra walked Chiang to put runners on first and second with two outs, but escaped the inning when Chiang was thrown out in the ensuing play. Jason Esposito singled on a line drive to left field, but Chiang was caught in between second and third base when Garia’s throw came to Mendez, who ran and tagged Chiang trying to retreat back to second.

Frederick took the lead in the sixth inning. With two outs, and Wynston Sawyer and Nathans on base, Ruettiger lined a triple down the right field line, scoring Sawyer and Nathans to give the Keys a 4-2 lead.

Myrtle Beach answered with a run of its own in the bottom half of the sixth on an RBI infield single by Mendez.

In the bottom of the seventh the Pelicans took the lead for good, scoring all of their runs with two outs. After Garia and Williams flew out, Bolinger and Preston Beck walked to put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, Garcia slammed a 1-0 pitch off the left field wall, scoring Bolinger and Beck. The Pelicans took a 5-4 lead.

After pitching a scoreless eighth, Pelicans reliever Abel De Los Santos (8) came back out for the ninth to complete the two-inning save.

Cody Ege (4-1) allowed the go-ahead runs in the sixth but earned the win in relief. Keys reliever Jimmy Yacabonis (0-3) took the loss, allowing the go-ahead double from Garcia in the seventh.

The Potomac Nationals are excited to announce a pair of “Recycling Pays” nights at Pfitzner Stadium sponsored by the Prince William County Recycling Program. The first recycling appreciation night is scheduled for Friday, July 18th as the Nationals take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City Royals), and the second evening in which recycling will be in the spotlight is Friday, August 15th in a P-Nats contest against the Carolina Mudcats (Cleveland Indians).

P-Nats fans will get the opportunity to save money and the environment with these events thanks to Prince William County Solid Waste Division’s Recycling Program. All fans who show up to the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office on each game day with recyclables in hand will receive half-off general admission tickets. In addition, everyone who tweets or posts to Facebook a picture of themselves recycling inside the ballpark during the July 18th game will receive a ticket to the second recycling night on August 15th.

On August 15th, the P-Nats’ faithful may also bring recyclables to receive 50% off GA tickets for that evening’s game and can tweet or post to Facebook the act of recycling at The Pfitz to receive an undated ticket voucher for the 2015 season.

About PWC Solid Waste Division
The Prince William County Solid Waste Division (SWD) provides solid waste management, recycling, composting and waste resource education to over 400,000 residents. The division employs more than 50 people and operates the only active Extraordinary Environmental Excellence (E4) rated landfill in Virginia, the highest level of certification awarded by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality‘s (DEQ) Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP). In 2013, the SWD also earned the Governor’s Gold Award for Environmental Excellence for its Sustainability Program. The SWD is a part of the Prince William County Public Works Department, an accredited agency of the American Public Works Association.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.

The Potomac Nationals are turning Military Appreciation Night into a “can’t miss” event on Sunday, June 22nd. In addition to honoring all military members, along with appearances by former Redskin Dexter Manley and Congressman Rob Wittman, the P-Nats will hold a silent auction during the game with dozens of iconic baseball memorabilia items thanks to Reality Realty and Mammoth Global Partners.

The centerpiece of the items is a Stephen Strasburg autographed inaugural game ticket collage, which will be raffled off for free for all military attendees. Other coveted items available for bid by the general public will be a Cal Ripken Jr. autographed bat and a signed Willie Mays photo and baseball. All of the money raised in the auction will go to Arms Outstretched Ministries benefitting the wounded warriors of Bethesda and Belvoir.

A complete list of the items in the silent auction can be found below:

Stephen Strasburg Autographed Inaugural Game Ticket Collage (to be raffled off for all military attendees)

Pregame festivities will feature player autographs in the concourse and a pre-game ceremony for military persons in attendance. Post game will feature Sunday staples with fireworks and kids run the bases presented by Glory Days Grill. First pitch is set for 6:05 ET against the Salem Red Sox.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.

The Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All elementary, middle school, and high school students with a report card with all A’s and B’s, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn a free GA ticket for the game on Monday, June 23 at 7:05. (Ticket may only be used for the student). Simply fill out this form and bring it along with your report card to the Hillcats Box Office prior to the event anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or the day of the game to earn your free ticket.

Good Report Card students may also participate in a parade on the field before the game! To participate, register at the Virginia529 table on the concourse between 6-6:30pm. The parade will begin at 6:35pm.

Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the Official College Savings Plan of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Virginia529 offers four flexible, affordable and tax advantaged programs to help you save in advance for higher education. Visit www.Virginia529.com to learn how you can tame the Tuition Monster.This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

General admission tickets for the 6:05pm game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks will be $10, with a portion of each ticket being donated to the fight against cancer. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free pink t-shirt! All Hillcats players will don pink commemorative jerseys which will then be up for bid during a silent auction during the game.

It’s estimated that there will be 232,670 reported new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2014 and as many as 1 in 800 women in Virginia alone, may be diagnosed each year. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was created in 1982 by Komen’s sister and has since raised $2.5 billion for research, treatments, and support for survivors.

To purchase tickets to the “Swing For A Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

Donation Drive to Take Place on May 11

The Frederick Keys will be holding a baseball equipment donation drive on Sunday, May 11, prior to the team’s 2 p.m. game against the Winston-Salem Dash. Fans are encouraged to bring new or old gloves, baseballs, softballs, whiffle balls and bats, which will be donated to Baseball Miracles.

A non-profit organization, Baseball Miracles provides boys and girls with economic and environmental disadvantages the chance to play baseball. Founded by John Tumminia, the group also provides professional instruction to children learning how to play baseball.

Every fan who donates a piece of equipment will receive one free ticket to the May 11 game. Meanwhile, all donations will support the organization’s upcoming trip to Kenya, which will take place from November 4-5.

Among those going on the trip, will be the Keys Director of Marketing, Bridget McCabe. In addition to her work with the team, Bridget serves as the Softball Coordinator for Baseball Miracles. To learn more about Baseball Miracles, visit baseballmiracles.org.

Frederick’s next homestand begins on Thursday, May 8 when the Winston-Salem Dash make their first trip to Harry Grove Stadium in 2014. For ticket information, please call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Frederick Keys. Click here to view the original story.

The Lynchburg Hillcats are teaming up with Relay for Life of Lynchburg and the American Cancer Society on Friday, May 2nd at 6:05pm for the 3rd Annual Paint the Park Purple Night and T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia!

Gates will open at 5pm and general Admission Tickets for the game will be $10 with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life of Lynchburg will be held on May 30, 2014 at Heritage High School and is an overnight relay style walk-a-thon that raises money for the American Cancer Society, as well as honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to cancer. Local participants have been able to sell tickets to Paint the Park Purple Night as a part of their fundraising for their relay team. Fans will also be able to participate in a 50/50 raffle during the game, proceeds of which will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

Approximately 1,596,000 people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States last year and it is estimated that over 41,000 new cancer cases will be reported in 2013 for the state of Virginia alone. The American Cancer Society raises funds worldwide for research programs to find cures for all forms of cancer, and helps those diagnosed to find treatments and support. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about staying healthy and preventing cancer, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

To purchase tickets for the Paint the Park Purple Night, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

“The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we’re honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need,” remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She’s a true hero and we’re fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community.”

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

With 1 in 110 children in the United States diagnosed with some form of Autism, the Hillcats are lending a hand to offer awareness and support to this cause in 2014. The 6th Annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is scheduled for Saturday, April 19th and will raise money for Commonwealth Autism Services.

As many as 75,000 in Virginia are affected with this developmental disability and Commonwealth Autism Services is an organization that strives to enrich the lives of those in Virginia with autism, throughout their entire lifespan through statewide services. GA tickets are $10 and two dollars of each ticket sold for April 19th’s game will be donated to this organization.

This year’s Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center is slated for 6:05pm when the Hillcats will take on the Potomac Nationals at City Stadium. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates that evening will receive a free commemorative t-shirt! Along with donating a portion of the ticket costs, proceeds from a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and sponsor donations will also be donated during an in-game check presentation. Last year’s Autism Awareness Night raised $11,000!

Fans will also have the chance to give back to great local causes with the 3rd Annual Paint the Park Purple Night presented by Gastroenterology Associates of Central VA, Relay for Life & The American Cancer Society on Friday, May 2nd at 6:05pm as well as with the 8th Annual “Swing for a Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Society on Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm.

To purchase tickets to Autism Awareness Night, Paint the Park Purple Night, Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). So don’t miss your chance to give back to the community with the Lynchburg Hillcats this season!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.